reyna man, sumasablay din. :)

Little Ira Santos has always been a bundle of joy to me during my years at Bethany. He was Teacher Enang and Teacher George's son-- their only son. Very cute and smart at a young age, no wonder he was everyone's favorite. Students from different levels would run to him every afternoon, asking him questions which he would answer in his pretty little boy manner. I was always one of those students. I would go to little Ira while he's riding his bike or taking a sip from his feeding bottle, talking to him and finding myself smiling back at his cute childish laugh. Yes, he was every bit of an angel. And people just can't seem to get enough of this boy.

I soon graduated from grade school and transferred. I never got to see Ira again. And what's more heartbreaking is that I'll never get the chance to do so ever-- my little Ira passed away last week.

I had no idea whatsoever at first, though I was told by a classmate of mine that one of my grade school teachers' child died. Having no phone and losing all my elementary contacts, I didn't know who or how to ask. I also wasn't able to go online because I got sick. But just yesterday, when I decided to check on my mail, I saw this bulletin of Nina's on Friendster saying that she read Ralph's (another batchmate of mine) post on "the great loss" of Teacher Enang and Teacher George. Apparently, Nina doesn't have any idea on what happened (after all, her family migrated to the US). But I... I was more than just shocked. It all became clear to me suddenly. But I refused to believe. No, I don't want to believe.

So I looked for Ralph's post and true enough, the message was there. Teacher Enang and Teacher George's great loss. I remember staring blankly at the computer screen for a couple of seconds. Afterwards, I just cried. I cried because I felt sorry for my dear teachers. I cried because I wasn't able to visit his wake. I cried because I wasn't able to attend the funeral (which was the same day that I actually learned it was Ira). I cried because I wasn't able to see Ira again after elementary. I cried because he was too young to be taken away. I just cried.

But I believe that everything has a purpose. From the start, God had planned out Ira's life. He sent Ira into this world to deliver a message-- that of faith and finding joy in simple things, a message that my little angel Ira embodied so well.

To my little Ira, I know that Heaven is where little angels like you belong. I also know that you are much safer and happier resting in God's arms. Your memory will forever dwell in our hearts. We will miss you little Ira.♥